Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a new grant opportunity that will help support economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller communities across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives.

The brand-new Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) program will make grants between $5,000 and $50,000 available to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants will be available in the following categories:

“The Department of Commerce is very pleased to offer this new grant opportunity to our smallest communities across Kansas,” said Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “The SEED grants will offer communities a boost that will help them prosper and thrive. Quality-of-life investments help create vibrant communities that attract more people to live and work in Kansas.”

Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10% match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle, with the balance distributed upon successful completion of the project.

Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.

Earlier this year, the Beneficient Company Group L.P. received its full charter and became the first technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution in Kansas pursuant to the TEFFI Act. Beneficient’s first contribution to the grant program totaled $2.7 million.

SEED grant applications will open today, and close at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30. Grant awardees will be announced in October.

Guidelines for the grant application, along with a list of eligible counties, can be found at kansascommerce.gov/seedgrants. Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

Source: The Kansas Department of Commerce is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.